Single Idea 11101

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 11. Ontological Commitment / a. Ontological commitment]

Full Idea

The use of general terms does not commit us to admitting a corresponding abstract entity into our ontology, but an abstract singular term, including the law of putting equals for equals, flatly commits us to an abstract entity named by the term.

Gist of Idea

General terms don't commit us ontologically, but singular terms with substitution do

Source

Willard Quine (Identity, Ostension, and Hypostasis [1950], 4)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'From a Logical Point of View' [Harper and Row 1963], p.76


A Reaction

Does this mean that in 'for the sake of the children', I have to believe in 'sakes' if I can find a synonym which will substitute for it?